# Sketchbook Retreat with Artists Gayle Kabaker and Jennifer Orkin Lewis in Spain Join artists Gayle Kabaker and Jennifer Orkin Lewis (August Wren) on a creative painting retreat focusing on learning to use a sketchbook, drawing and painting in a loose style in sunny Andalucía, South of Spain. Stay at a stunning Spanish Finca, indulge in homemade organic meals, and draw your inspiration from the whitewashed vistas of magnificent Granada, Cartagena’s authentic Mediterranean port seascapes, and some of Spain's most flawless and least crowded beaches at Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata-Níjar. ## Details - **Dates:** May 23 - 30, 2022 - **Location:** Almería, Spain - **Starting Price:** $3,790 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Sketchbook retreat in Spain Guided by artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker, this retreat is especially for women who are excited about using a sketchbook.Sketch-booking is a great, different, fresh way of seeing the world around you and drawing and painting what you see. When we are out on our excursions, we will take short amounts of time to draw in our sketchbooks, but will mostly focus on exploring and photographing what we see. Colors, textures, scenery, people, anything that inspires you. We will help you learn how to take great photos and edit them to paint from later. We will be using acryl gouache and some watercolors, focusing on how to translate what we see around us into paintings.Our daily instruction will include :Introduction to acryl gouacheHow to layout your page - different ways and ideasColor exploration - narrowing down your paletteHow to loosen up and learn to not be so precious with your workPainting from your own photosPainting from a still life, or the views around you In addition to drawing and painting alongside Jennifer and Gayle every day, you'll also have plenty of time to relax, enjoy the heaven-like gardens at La Finca Paradiso and share your experiences with fellow creatives over a glass of wine. ### Day 1: Arrival Get transferred from Almería Airport (LEI) and meet artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker and the rest of the art group at La Finca Paradiso. Settle in and recharge after the flight and take a tour of the delightful 33-acre property. Discuss the week ahead over a special welcome dinner served with local wine. ### Day 2: Art classes at La Finca On your first painting day, you will stay at La Finca Paradiso, drawing and painting either indoors, in the bright and inspiring Dojo, or en plein air, on the terraces or in the lush gardens of the estate.We will spend the morning painting what is around us and learning about the media we use. Gayle and Jennifer will perform demos.Look at examples of Jennifer and Gayle’s work, discuss how to draw inspiration from your surroundings then adapt it to your own style and approach. Learn how to interpret and simplify what you are seeing and how to go from sketch to paint. Jennifer and Gayle will show you how to pack up your supplies for a day out exploring. Take a short break to enjoy a delicious lunch, then resume your art classes. Enjoy a three-course dinner put together by the in-house chef and indulge in some delectable local wine. ### Day 3: Trip to Cartagena After breakfast, you will travel to the Mediterranean port of Cartagena. Explore the waterfront network of streets, get inspired by the Roman and Carthaginian heritage, stop for impromptu sketchbook and photo sessions, go shopping, etc.Return to the retreat venue in time for lunch. Resume your classes at La Finca Paradiso after lunch. Choose a few photos to paint from and paint and draw in your sketchbook from these photos with direction from Jennifer and Gayle. Gayle and Jennifer will perform demos. ### Day 4: Art classes at La Finca You will continue your painting and sketchbook exploration at the retreat venue and go for walks in the luxuriant surrounding orchards to sketch and paint from the wonderful landscape.Gayle and Jennifer will perform live demos and guide you through your process every step of the way. ### Day 5: Trip to Granada After breakfast at La Finca Paradiso, embark on a full-day trip to Granada. Discover the Moorish architecture and local history, go on a guided tour of the UNESCO Alhambra palace and fortress complex (entrance fees and English-speaking guide included), enjoy authentic Andalusian cuisine at a local restaurant with lovely views (restaurant lunch included), visit the Arab bazaar of Alcaicería, wander the narrow streets of the Realejo neighborhood and the Jewish Quarter, stop for sketchbook sessions, or go shopping.Take it all in! Photograph and sketch. There will be time for individual painting/sketchbook after dinner back at the retreat venue, if everyone has the energy. ### Day 6: Trip to Cabo de Gata After breakfast, you will travel to some of Spain's most flawless and least crowded beaches at Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata-Níjar. You can sketch and paint on the beach or, weather permitting (weather is generally close to 86°F / 30°C at the end of May), sunbathe and go for a swim in the sea.Use sketchbooks while on the beach - learn how to paint in your lap! Return to the retreat venue in time for lunch. Resume your classes at La Finca Paradiso after lunch. Continue refining paintings that were started in sketchbooks on the beach or just continue painting and sketching from surroundings or our photos. Daily demos by Gayle and Jennifer. ### Day 7: Art classes at La Finca Continue your sketchbook exploration at the retreat venue and put the finishing touches on your work.Enjoy the last day of your retreat by the pool, then join the rest of the group for a farewell dinner with drinks. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy breakfast together and get transferred to the airport. ## Instructors - **Gayle Kabaker** - Illustrator, Writer, Visual storyteller - **Jennifer Orkin Lewis** - Artist, Illustrator, Author, Teacher ## Accommodation ### La Finca Paradiso ### Triple room ### Shared twin/double rooms ### Private rooms with shared bathroom ### Private ensuite rooms ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/sketchbook-retreat-artists-gayle-kabaker-jennifer-orkin-lewis-spain](https://uptrek.com/retreat/sketchbook-retreat-artists-gayle-kabaker-jennifer-orkin-lewis-spain) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*